MEDAN - In order to improve safety at level crossings, BTP Kelas I Medan held a socialization and field practice activity from September 30 to October 1, 2024. This activity aims to evaluate and formulate steps to improve level crossing safety in the Medan area and its surroundings.

The activity which took place in the Cut Meutia Meeting Room was also carried out via Zoom Meeting. This meeting was attended by representatives from various service units such as the Rantau Prapat Service Unit, Tebing Tinggi Service Unit, Pangkalan Brandan Service Unit, and Lhokseumawe Service Unit, and was attended by representatives of several sections at the Medan Railway Engineering Center.

In the discussion, several challenges in various regions were identified. In the Rantau Prapat Service Unit, for example, the limited number of personnel and the vast area are obstacles to carrying out tasks optimally. The problem of inadequate transportation also hinders personnel from reaching their work areas.

In Tebing Tinggi, the issue of personnel competence in handling railway facilities was also highlighted. There was also the problem of flooding in BH 58C and BH 58D due to blocked water channels due to the construction of toll roads, which needed to be addressed through cross-agency coordination.

In addition, in Pangkalan Brandan and Lhokseumawe, attention was focused on monitoring disaster-prone areas and theft of state property. In Lhokseumawe, a major challenge was the high number of illegal crossings reaching 317 points, compared to only 7 official crossings.

After completing the discussion session in the socialization of increasing level crossing safety, it was continued with field practice activities. This activity involved the use of modern measuring tools to introduce work methods in topographic surveys that are relevant to level crossing safety. The measuring tools are Total Station and Waterpass which are vital tools in measuring the accuracy of railway infrastructure.

Total Station is an electronic measuring instrument capable of measuring distance and angle simultaneously in one unit. This tool combines electronic theodolite and electronic distance meter technology, and is equipped with automatic data recording capabilities. The main function of this tool is for surveying and construction, so it is very relevant in ensuring that level crossing conditions are safe and in accordance with safety standards.

Meanwhile, Waterpass is a tool that functions to measure surface slopes both horizontally and vertically. By using Waterpass, officers can ensure that level crossings are in a level and safe position for road and train users.

This activity not only strengthens the technical capabilities of employees, but also emphasizes the importance of accuracy in topographic measurements as part of efforts to improve the safety of railway infrastructure. Mr. Angga, Head of the Railway Facilities and Safety Section, hopes that the practice of using this tool can improve the technical competence of field staff in minimizing the risk of accidents at level crossings.

This activity is expected to identify problems such as illegal crossings and accidents, and produce solutions in the form of infrastructure improvements, increased supervision, and the application of modern technology and increase public awareness of the importance of safety at level crossings. (AI/ARH/MAD/RZ)